FUCKED.

17

The night was supposed to be enjoyable, but it had taken a darker turn. Michaelson and I had posed for some great pictures, and the event had been going well. Sapphire was radiant, attempting to sneak bites of cake as if no one would notice, but I caught her in the act. Travis, looking sharp in his Armani suit, was engaged in conversation with his friends. Keisha was nowhere to be found, and Jason was on a quest for ice cream that Sapphire had insisted she was craving. The poor guy had left in the middle of the night to get it, and Sapphire hadn't even told him the truth yet.

As I found myself stuck in a dull conversation, I noticed Iris's suit was strikingly similar to my dress. He couldn't seem to keep his eyes off me. Suddenly, I became aware of everyone at the table staring intently at me.

"Right," Michaelson said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Yeah," I replied, unsure of what was expected.

"So get up then," he instructed. I rose from my seat, bewildered, as Iris joined me. He pulled me into a deep kiss, and I realized what Michaelson had in mind – he wanted Iris and me to pose provocatively for the photographers. With my back pressed against his chest, Iris wrapped his arms around my waist, kissing my neck as I smiled and held onto his hair.

We posed for what seemed like an eternity, my feet aching from standing so long. Iris was thoroughly enjoying himself, kissing me every few seconds. It was becoming increasingly frustrating.

"Great job, Chloe," Michaelson finally said, clapping his hands with satisfaction. "My next cover will be excellent for business."

I quietly excused myself, mumbling something in Swahili about needing to step away. I headed toward the restroom, wanting to call my friends but deciding against it, respecting that it was their night too. After washing my hands, I was about to return when I felt a hand cover my mouth and pull me into a dark corner. I struggled but knew exactly who it was.

"You were supposed to break it off with pretty boy," Iris sneered. "But instead, you went on dates and spent time at his place. Not once, but thrice, Chloe. So listen carefully: either I show this picture to your lovely blondie or poison pretty boy."

He brandished a photo of Jason and Keisha kissing. My heart sank as I stared in disbelief. Jason and Keisha? No, it couldn't be real.

"It's photoshopped," I said firmly. "Those two aren't even on good terms. Nice try, Iris, but you have the wrong picture."

He smirked, unfazed. "If I show you the next video, I'll send it to Blondie and end your friendship for good. Think carefully before making a wrong move, Chloe."

I shook my head, refusing to be intimidated. "Whatever you're planning, I'm sorry, Iris. I won't do it. Go to hell."

"Three... two... one," Iris taunted. "I just sent it to your stupid page. Check it out. And don't worry about how I knew about it – you're just clumsy, Chloe."

I pulled out my phone and pressed play on the video he'd sent. What I saw was horrifying – a video of Keisha and Jason having sex, and they weren't even drunk. My heart broke as I thought of Sapphire. The betrayal would shatter her.

"You're a monster, Iris," I said, my voice trembling. "How could you do this? She never did anything to you. You're a psychopath. I can't believe anyone could live with you. You'll never be loved. No matter what you do to me, I'll still love Travis."

I slapped him in anger, immediately regretting it as his face twisted into a menacing scowl. He yanked me by my braids, his breathing heavy and dangerous.

"Listen, Chloe," Iris growled. "I might tolerate your declarations of love for that fool, but never speak of my wife again, or I'll cut your throat and leave you for dead."

"Please, Iris," I pleaded through sobs. "Let me go comfort my friend. She needs me."

"Oh no," Iris said coldly. "You're coming with me. I have a surprise for you."

I begged him to release me, but he blindfolded me and placed a handkerchief over my nose. As the chloroform took effect, I slipped into unconsciousness.

When I woke up, I was disoriented, the cloth over my eyes making it hard to see. I felt dizzy and realized I was in a car. I pounded on the window and screamed for help, but the surroundings were eerily quiet. I should have anticipated that discussing Iris's wife would provoke him, but I needed to protect my friends.

"I'm going to remove the cloth," Iris said. "You need to eat quickly, okay?"

I nodded weakly. He removed the cloth, revealing that my clothes were gone. French fries were in front of me, my stomach rumbling from hunger.

"You need to eat, Chloe," Iris said, his tone commanding.

I complied, stuffing my mouth with the fries. "Where are we going?"

Iris drove at high speed, and the landscape outside was barren, with no signs of civilization. It felt like we were leaving the town behind, but I couldn't be sure.

"Iris, please let me go," I begged. "I promise I won't report you to the police. I'll forget this ever happened."

He laughed bitterly. "I'll make you regret this day, Chloe. You'll end up just like Emelia left me."

"Iris, please," I pleaded, but he warned me to remain silent. The car continued down the desolate road.

I sobbed silently, praying for a way out of this nightmare. After what seemed like an eternity, the car finally stopped in front of an old, decrepit cabin, surrounded by dense trees and devoid of any nearby houses. Iris pulled me out of the car, tying a rope around my wrists and ankles before dragging me inside.